If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Fan Favorites "The Catch," "Dr. Ken," "Last Man Standing" and "The Real O'Neals" to Return, Along With Emmy-Nominated Limited Series "American Crime"
"When We Rise" Slated for 2016-17 Season as Limited Series Event
Specials "Dirty Dancing," "Ali: The Champion" (wt) and an All-New David Blaine Special, Also Announced
Shows Join Previously Announced "America's Funniest Home Videos," "The Bachelor," "black-ish," "Dancing with the Stars," "Fresh Off the Boat," "The Goldbergs," "Grey's Anatomy," "How to Get Away with Murder," "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.," "The Middle," "Modern Family," "Once Upon a Time," "Quantico," "Scandal," "Secrets and Lies," "Shark Tank" and "20/20"
ABC continues its commitment to distinctive storytelling with the announcement of its 2016-17 slate of programming, including the addition of nine new series. Channing Dungey, president, ABC Entertainment, will unveil the network's new lineup to the advertising and media communities this afternoon at Lincoln Center's David Geffen Hall, in New York City.
"Our new shows reflect the inclusive and empowering storytelling that defines the ABC brand. We will continue to raise the bar for our audience, investing in great storytellers and reflecting the authentic faces and voices of the world around us," said Dungey.
Ranking No. 1 during the 2015-16 season in Nielsen's non-sports Adult 18-49 averages (tie), ABC delivered 7 of the Top 20 entertainment series on broadcast TV, placing 4 of the Top 10 with 3 of the Top 5 dramas: "Grey's Anatomy" - No. 4, "How to Get Away with Murder" - No. 6, "Modern Family" and "Scandal" tie at No. 7, "The Bachelor" - No. 12, while "Quantico" and "The Goldbergs" tie at No. 19. In addition, ABC dominated among upscale viewers with a network-leading 8 of the season's Top 20 highest-rated broadcast entertainment series among Adults 18-49 in Homes earning $100k+ Annual Income, landing 5 of the Top 10.
New series "American Housewife," "Conviction," "Designated Survivor," "Downward Dog," "Imaginary Mary," "Notorious," "Speechless," "Still Star-Crossed" and "Time After Time" will join lineup.
Fan favorites "The Catch," "Dr. Ken," "Last Man Standing" and "The Real O'Neals" will also return to the schedule, joining previously announced "America's Funniest Home Videos," "The Bachelor," "black-ish," "Dancing with the Stars," "Fresh Off the Boat," "The Goldbergs," "Grey's Anatomy," "How to Get Away with Murder," "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.," "The Middle," "Modern Family," "Once Upon a Time," "Quantico," "Scandal," "Secrets and Lies," "Shark Tank" and "20/20."
Ten-time Emmy-nominated limited series "American Crime," created and executive produced by Oscar(R)-winner John Ridley ("12 Years a Slave"), returns. Additionally, "When We Rise," created by Oscar(R)-winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black ("Milk," "Big Love," "J. Edgar"), will air as a limited series event during the year. "Dirty Dancing," a three-hour filmed musical event; "Ali: The Champion"(wt), a special honoring boxing legend Mohammed Ali; and an all-new special from David Blaine following his critically acclaimed ratings smash "David Blaine: Real or Magic" were announced today.
Fall premiere dates will be announced at a later time. Please note that shows picked up but not listed on the schedule below will debut later in the 2016-17 season. NEW FALL AND MIDSEASON SERIES: DRAMAS CONVICTION Lawyer and former First Daughter Hayes Morrison (Hayley Atwell, "Marvel's Agent Carter") is about to accept a job offered from her sexy nemesis, NY District Attorney Wayne Wallis, to avoid jail time for cocaine possession and avoid hurting her mother's Senate campaign. Working with his team at the new Conviction Integrity Unit will let her use her brilliant mind to turn over cases, where there is credible suspicion of wrongful conviction, and give her a chance to turn things around with her high-powered political family.
In addition to Atwell, "Conviction" stars Eddie Cahill as Wayne Wallis, Shawn Ashmore as Sam Sullivan, Merrin Dungey as Maxine Barton, Emily Kinney as Tess Thompson, Manny Montana as Franklin "Frankie" Rios and Daniel di Tomasso as Jackson Morrison.
"Conviction" is from The Mark Gordon Company and ABC Studios. "Conviction" is co-created by writer Liz Friedman ("Elementary," "Marvel's Jessica Jones") and director Liz Friedlander ("The Following"). Friedman and Friedlander will executive produce with Mark Gordon ("Criminal Minds," "Grey's Anatomy," "Saving Private Ryan") and Nick Pepper.
Hashtag: #Conviction
Twitter: @ABCConviction
Facebook: facebook.com/ConvictionABC

DESIGNATED SURVIVOR Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning actor Kiefer Sutherland ("24") returns to primetime in a conspiracy thriller as Tom Kirkman, a lower-level cabinet member who unexpectedly becomes president after a devastating attack on Washington. He will struggle to prevent the country and his own family from falling into chaos, as he is thrust into one of the most difficult presidencies in history.

NOTORIOUS "Notorious" is inspired by the true-life stories of famed criminal defense attorney Mark Geragos and cable news producer Wendy Walker, who serve as executive producers. The series is a provocative look at the unique, sexy and dangerous interplay of criminal law and the media. Josh Berman ("Blacklist," "Bones," "CSI") is writer and executive producer, and Allie Hagan ("Suri's Burn Book") is writer and co-executive producer.

STILL STAR-CROSSED "Still Star-Crossed," a period drama from Shondaland, picks up where the famous story of Romeo and Juliet ends, charting the treachery, palace intrigue and ill-fated romances of the Montagues and Capulets in the wake of the young lovers' tragic fate. The series is based on the book by Melinda Taub.
"Still Star-Crossed" stars Wade Briggs ("Home and Away") as Benvolio Montague, Anthony Head as Lord Silvestro Capulet, Zuleikha Robinson as Lady Guiliana Capulet, Lashana Lynch as Rosaline, Ebonee Noel as Livia, Sterling Sulieman as Prince Escalus, Medalion Rahimi as Princess Isabella, Grant Bowler as Damiano Montague, Susan Wooldridge as Nurse, Torrance Coombs as Paris and Dan Hildebrand as Friar Lawrence.

TIME AFTER TIME Based on the novel and movie "Time After Time," executive producer/writer Kevin Williamson ("The Vampire Diaries," "Scream" franchise, "Dawson's Creek") delivers a fantastical cat and mouse adventure through time when famed science fiction writer H.G. Wells is transported to modern day Manhattan in pursuit of Jack the Ripper. Once H.G. arrives in New York City, he finds a world he never thought possible and a young woman who captivates him.

The series stars Freddie Stroma ("Harry Potter" films) as H.G. Wells, Josh Bowman ("Revenge") as John Stevenson/Jack the Ripper, Genesis Rodriguez ("Big Hero 6") as Jane and Regina Taylor ("Dig") as Vanessa Anders.
"Time After Time" is from Outerbanks Entertainment in association with Warner Bros. Television. Williamson and Marcos Siega ("Blindspot," "The Following") are executive producers. Siega directed the pilot. Williamson wrote the teleplay. "Time After Time" is based on the novel written by Karl Alexander.

AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE Katie Otto (Katy Mixon, "Mike and Molly"), a confident, unapologetic wife and mother of three, raises her flawed family in the wealthy town of Westport, Connecticut, filled with "perfect" mommies and their "perfect" offspring.

DOWNWARD DOG Based on the web series, "Downward Dog" is about a struggling millennial, Nan (Emmy-nominated Allison Tolman, "Fargo"), from the point of view of her lonely and philosophical dog, Martin. One session at obedience school already makes them realize that even at their worst they may be the best thing for each other.
The series stars Allison Tolman as Nan, Lucas Neff as Jason, Kirby Howell-Baptiste as Jenn, Barry Rothbart as Kevin and Mo Collins as Kim. Samm Hodges is the voice of Martin.

"Downward Dog" creators/writers Samm Hodges and Michael Killen will executive produce with Mosaic Media Group's Jimmy Miller and Sam Hansen, and Animal's Kathy Dziubek. Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky were executive producers of the pilot. The series is from Legendary Television and ABC Studios.

IMAGINARY MARY Alice (Jenna Elfman, "Dharma & Greg," "Friends With Benefits," "EDtv") is a fiercely independent career woman whose life is turned upside-down when she meets the love of her life - a divorced father with three kids. This triggers even more upheaval when the slightly unhinged imaginary friend she created as a child suddenly reappears to help her navigate the transition from single girl to a woman ready for a family.

The series stars Jenna Elfman as Alice, Stephen Schneider as Ben, Rachel Dratch as Mary (VO), Nicholas Coombe as Andy, Matreya Scarrwener as Dora and Erica Tremblay as Bunny.

The live action/CGI hybrid comes from "The Goldbergs" team Adam F. Goldberg (writer/executive producer), David Guarascio (writer/executive producer) and Doug Robinson (executive producer). Mary CG animation is designed by Patrick Osborne (creator of Academy Award- winning animated short, "The Feast"), who is also executive producer. The pilot was directed by Shawn Levy ("Night at the Museum," "Cheaper by the Dozen"), who is also executive producer. The series is a co-production with Sony Pictures Television, Happy Madison and ABC Studios.

SPEECHLESS Maya DiMeo (Minnie Driver, "About a Boy," "The Riches," "Good Will Hunting") is a mom on a mission who will do anything for her husband, Jimmy, and kids Ray, Dylan, and JJ, her eldest son with special needs. As Maya fights injustices both real and imagined, the family works to make a new home for themselves and searches for just the right person to give JJ his "voice."
"Speechless" stars Minnie Driver as Maya DiMeo, John Ross Bowie ("The Big Bang Theory") as Jimmy DiMeo, Mason Cook as Ray DiMeo, Micah Fowler as JJ DiMeo, Kyla Kenedy as Dylan DiMeo and Cedric Yarbrough as Kenneth.

Scott Silveri ("Friends") writes and is executive producer of the show, along with "Fresh Off the Boat"'s Jake Kasdan and Melvin Mar. The series is from Twentieth Century Fox Television and ABC Studios.
Hashtag: #Speechless
Twitter: @Speechless_ABC
Facebook: facebook.com/SpeechlessABC

AMERICAN CRIME (Limited Series - Season 3) Critically acclaimed limited series "American Crime," nominated for 10 Emmys and winner of Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie for Regina King, returns for its third season and will feature a new crime committed in a different setting, as told through the eyes of those affected.
The series was created and executive produced by Oscar-winner John Ridley ("12 Years a Slave"). Michael J. McDonald also serves as executive producer. "American Crime" is produced by ABC Studios.
Hashtag: #AmericanCrime
Twitter: @AmericanCrimeTV
Facebook: facebook.com/AmericanCrimeABC WHEN WE RISE (Limited Series Event) "When We Rise" chronicles the real-life personal and political struggles, setbacks and triumphs of a diverse family of LGBT men and women who helped pioneer one of the last legs of the U.S. Civil Rights movement from its turbulent infancy in the 20th century to the once unfathomable successes of today.
Written and created by Oscar(R)-winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black ("Milk," "Big Love," "J. Edgar"), the limited series event stars Guy Pearce as LGBT activist Cleve Jones, Mary-Louise Parker as women's rights leader Roma Guy and Rachel Griffiths as her wife, social justice activist Diane. Also starring are Austin McKenzie as Younger Cleve Jones, Emily Skeggs as Younger Roma Guy, Jonathan Majors as Younger Ken Jones, and Fiona Dourif as Younger Diane.

DIRTY DANCING "Dirty Dancing," the global pop-cultural phenomenon, becomes a three-hour filmed musical event this season on the ABC Television Network. An adaptation of the beloved 1987 romantic drama and instant music classic, "Dirty Dancing" will be produced by Lionsgate Television in association with Allison Shearmur Productions, executive produced by Allison Shearmur ("Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," "The Hunger Games" franchise; "Cinderella"); Eleanor Bergstein, who wrote the screenplay for the original movie; and Grammy Award-nominee Adam Anders ("Glee," "Rock of Ages"), who also serves as executive music producer. Wayne Blair ("The Sapphires," "Septembers of Shiraz") is the director, and Andy Blankenbuehler ("Hamilton," "Bring It On," "In the Heights") is the choreographer.
"Dirty Dancing" stars Abigail Breslin as Baby, Debra Messing as Marjorie Houseman, Bruce Greenwood as Dr. Jake Houseman, Nicole Scherzinger as Penny, Colt Prattes as Johnny, Sarah Hyland as Lisa Houseman, Tony Roberts as Max Kellerman, Trevor Einhorn as Neil, Shane Harper as Robbie Gould, J. Quinton Johnson as Marco, Beau "Casper" Smart as Billy, Katey Sagal as Vivian Pressman and Billy Dee Williams as Tito.
Hashtag: #DirtyDancing

UNTITLED DAVID BLAINE David Blaine returns to ABC for his final primetime special to follow-up his critically acclaimed ratings smash "David Blaine: Real or Magic," with a groundbreaking new primetime event. The special reunites Blaine with Emmy Award-winning director Matthew Akers, who helmed "David Blaine: Real or Magic," and is executive produced by David Blaine, along with Justin Wilkes and Dave O'Connor for Radical Media.

ALI: THE CHAMPION(working title) An athlete, a humanitarian, and a civil rights activist, Muhammad Ali will be honored for his goodwill efforts that have impacted individuals from different walks of life around the world. In a new, two-hour special featuring live musical performances, his closest friends and contemporaries, admirers come together to celebrate the man who's known the world over as simply The Greatest. The project is executive produced by Ron Weisner.

ABC kept trying to premiere new shows in the Tuesday 10pm slot that ended up cancelled (Of Kings and Prophets, Wicked City, Forever, Mind Games, Killer Women, Lucky 7, Body of Proof)... Agents of Shield ratings went down this season but still above the bubble shows, so it got renewed, so this move if either trying to improve the timeslot, or considered the same thing as shipping it to the friday night death slot.

ABC also manages to air more sitcoms than its competitors : 2h on tuesday, 2h on wednesdays, 1h on friday.

Kerry Washington pregnant again, Scandal moved to mid-season. Season 3 was cut shots to 18 episodes. This time, Scandal gets a mid-season premiere. Last season, Fox's New Girl continued filming season 5 during the spring while using "angle" tricks, sequestred Zooey for a few episodes, then resumed filming... Same trick will be used here ?

HTGAWM ratings went down when it resumed mid-february, and it also affected canadian ratings, which went from average 1.77M to 1.28M. Speaking of Shondaland, my sister finally gave up on Grey's Anatomy. Poor Meredith, every season, she gets into an unbelieveable life-or-death situation and manage to survive. Just too much.

Quantico season 1 was filmed in Montreal, season 2 production moves to New York. Will Canadians keep watching ? Sunday 10pm is also a problem (Revenge, Betrayal, Red Widow, 666 Park Ave, GCB, Pan Am), but not as much as CBS who used that slot to cancel the whole CSI franchise, helped with football and golf overruns.

ABC kept trying to premiere new shows in the Tuesday 10pm slot that ended up cancelled (Of Kings and Prophets, Wicked City, Forever, Mind Games, Killer Women, Lucky 7, Body of Proof)... Agents of Shield ratings went down this season but still above the bubble shows, so it got renewed, so this move if either trying to improve the timeslot, or considered the same thing as shipping it to the friday night death slot.

ABC also manages to air more sitcoms than its competitors : 2h on tuesday, 2h on wednesdays, 1h on friday.

Overall, I like what ABC has done with their schedule, and I guess this was bound to happen under their new entertainment president. Unlike last year where the same timeslots kept being replaced with one cancelled show after another.

With Castle and Nashville both gone, their timeslot replacements are newcomers - it was highly unlikely that they would have been given to any of the established dramas, although I figured they could have at least given it to a returning show like Quantico or Secrets and Lies, the latter of which had moderate success during its first season just over a year ago. So Conviction will have the task of holding on to the audience from Dancing with the Stars (against Scorpion on CBS and newcomer Timeless on NBC) while Designated Survivor is on Wednesdays (against Chicago PD on NBC and the just-renewed Code Black on CBS).

Clearly Tuesday at 10pm has been a major problem for the network, just like Thursday 10pm has been for NBC. New shows have not worked here, so it made sense for them to move Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. here while expanding the comedy block to two hours. Only time will tell if the fourth season will be the last - see Nashville and Revenge as recent examples.

Speaking of the Tuesday and Wednesday comedy blocks, smart move to have long running show The Middle lead off on a new night while having The Goldbergs do the same thing on Wednesdays. Fresh Off the Boat moving up an hour could help as it will be going up against unproven competition (pending what The CW has planned).

Notorious could be a weak link on Thursday nights (opposite Chicago Med on NBC) between Grey's Anatomy and How to Get Away with Murder, temporarily breaking up the TGIT block until Scandal's return in midseason. They could have gone with season 2 of The Catch but are choosing it to replace Murder again come next spring. Another option would have been another Shondaland newcomer, Still Star-Crossed, but that's been shelved for later as well.

Otherwise, Friday is unchanged - one of the few stable nights for them.

As for Sunday, could be better, could be worse. Rather questionable for Secrets and Lies to be off the schedule for an entire season, but it was one of the few shows that actually performed well in the Sunday 9pm timeslot and seems to be an improvement over Blood & Oil and The Family. We'll see if it can do the same again - if it's off to a solid start in the first few weeks (even going up against The Walking Dead), then that's good. With Quantico, I was intrigued that it got an early renewal just as the show was returning from its midseason hiatus - the show's ratings continued dropping but losses were offset by late DVR viewing, although I thought it could have benefitted by moving to the post-Dancing slot on Mondays.

Premiere Dates Announced for Mini-Series 'When We Rise,' Series 'Time After Time' and 'Imaginary Mary,' and the event movie 'Dirty Dancing'

Returning Favorites 'The Catch' and 'American Crime' Return to the Schedule, as Well as 'Once Upon A Time' and 'Designated Survivor'

The ABC Television Network has announced midseason premiere dates for the mini-series "When We Rise" and series premiere dates for the one-hour drama "Time After Time," half-hour comedy "Imaginary Mary" and the event movie "Dirty Dancing," as well as returning series "The Catch" and "American Crime," and the spring returns of "Once Upon a Time" and "Designated Survivor." "Downward Dog" will premiere in Summer 2017.

In addition, previously announced "The Toy Box" premieres Friday, April 7, 8:00-9:00 p.m. and TGIT returns Thursday, January 26.